Microsoft seems to have suddenly realized that people like to be able to back up their mobile devices, even if they aren’t part of a corporate managed environment.  To that end they’ve released Microsoft Phone Data Manager (Beta).  The tool allows for contacts, music, pictures and video to be backed up off the device into your Windows Live account in their cloud computing efforts.

The tool depends on linking the mobile device to a computer for connecting to the Cloud, so it isn’t all that great.  But at least they’ve come up with something that passes for a legitimate use of the “cloud computing” moniker that they’ve been touting recently.

They support a number of devices beyond just Windows Mobile-powered options, which is nice.  Ironically the WinMo devices are only supported via a USB cable, while non-WinMo devices also have BlueTooth support.  A full list of known supported (and some unsupported ones) are contained here.

• 0 Comments

My deal of the day today is for the SMK-Link Bluetooth 2.0 NANO Bluetooth dongle. It retails for $15, but today and tomorrow you can get that $15 back with a Fry’s mail in rebate.

This adapter is perfect for portable machines without an integrated Bluetooth adapter as it only sticks out a tiny amount. The adapter supports Bluetooth 2.0+EDR which means you’ll get better data speeds and range than previous generation adapters.

Product page and Rebate link (PDF!)

• 0 Comments

My deal of the day is the MoGo Bluetooth adapter. As you can see, it is a tiny adapter that barely sticks out of your laptop.

The adapter supports Bluetooth 2.0 which means faster speeds and an extended range. It is on sale today for just $10, and even ships for free!

One word of warning though; in the past I’ve had readers complain that buy.com cancels orders when they feel like it…

Product page: Buy.com

• 1 Comment

My Deal of the day is for the red version of the Jawbone headset. It only comes in red, and shipping is a reasonable $3.95.

If you prefer a less attention grabbing color, then you can still find the black version at Amazon.com for $59 with free shipping.

Source: Sixth Avenue Electronics

• 0 Comments

My deal of the day is the Samsung WEP500 ultra compact Bluetooth headset.

The specifications are:

• Samsung’s Smallest Bluetooth headset
• Noise and Echo Reduction technology
• 3.5 Hours Talk Time
• Up to 80 Hours standby time

This headset normally sells for $53.99, but today you can order it and take advantage of a $30 mail in rebate, bringing the price down to just $23.99.

Product link: Amazon.com

• 0 Comments

Yesterday I took the plunge and ripped open an Asus Eee PC (my Wife’s) and upgraded it with an 8Gb flash drive and Bluetooth. It took $35 in parts, a steady hand and a soldering iron, but the result is pretty cool. Both devices are in a USB plug, so I can remove or upgrade them over time.

If you plan to work on your wife’s Eee, make sure you have a spare $399 lying around in case screw things up.

Next week (in part 2) I’ll be installing a touch screen, which should turn this thing into the ultimate Eee, right before it’s time to upgrade the entire machine to the 901 series Eee.

Tips and inspiration on how to upgrade your Eee PC can be found here.

• 0 Comments

It’s been just a week since I finally got around to testing the original Jawbone headset, and now Aliph have revealed the second generation Jawbone, called "Jawbone".

It still has the hidden buttons I didn’t care too much for, and it still requires a special charging dongle, but they have made it smaller, less prone to wind noise and they added new noise canceling technologies they call "noiseassassin".

"The new Jawbone" costs $129 and is available here.

• 0 Comments

Today I’m going to give you a closer look at the new Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth headset. I wrote about the product announcement back in April and was so intrigued by the design that I got my hands on one to review.

If you’ve been keeping up with my stories, you’ll know that my current favorite headset is the Plantronics Voyager 855 (which I reviewed in January).

The Discovery 925 is a Bluetooth 2.0 headset (Bluetooth 2.0 means it has extended range, up to 33 feet / 10 meters). Plantronics lists the unique selling points as:

• VFrame™ design captures your eye as well as your voice
• Rechargeable case keeps you in charge
• AudioIQ® noise control technology for clear calls
• Three sizes of self-stabilizing eartips let you tailor the fit
• Quick and easy set up with Bluetooth phones
• Available in metallic and jewel tone colors
• Enjoy up to 5 hours talk time or 7 days standby from a single charge

So, lets take a closer look at it in real life:

Read the rest of this entry »

• 0 Comments

If you are looking for a quality Bluetooth headset, but don’t want to spend too much, then this deal is perfect for you. The Samsung WEP410 headset is tiny, supports Bluetooth 2.0 (which means it has great range).

It sells for $43.99 but has a $30 rebate (directly from Samsung). Since it’s over $25, you’ll get free shipping from Amazon.

I’ve had this headset myself, and was very happy with it, it really is tiny, and audio was great.

If you check Ebay, you’ll find this headset for under $20, but I strongly recommend staying away from those; I know from prior experience that 99% of them are fake (as are most other brand name headsets on Ebay). Fake headset have poor microphones, are usually NOT Bluetooth 2.0 and have inferior batteries.

Purchase link: Samsung WEP410 headset

• 1 Comment

I may be a little late to the show (I think every other site in the world has already reviewed this product), but that isn’t going to stop me from giving my own opinion on the Aliph Jawbone Headset.

If you ask anywhere on the web "what is the best Bluetooth headset", 9 out of 10 people will probably answer "The Jawbone". I once tried this headset several years ago, but never actually sat down with it to put it through its paces.

The Aliph Jawbone does several things most other Bluetooth headphones do not do; it looks pretty, and it sounds great (on both ends of the call).

Read the rest of this entry »

• 1 Comment